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Board approves 9-foot wrought-iron fence on Falls Road, citing safety and neighborhood precedent
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved a special exception to allow a 9-foot decorative wrought-iron fence at a Falls Road residence after the applicant argued it was for safety and pointed to similar fences in the neighborhood.
On Feb. 20, 2025, the Dallas Board of Adjustment granted a special-exception request to allow a 9-foot fence in the front yard at a Falls Road property (BDA245-024). The board concluded the proposed open wrought-iron fence would not adversely affect neighboring property and cited prior approvals for tall fences in the area.
Attorney Chris Bowers represented property owners Devorah and Doke (spelled “Doke” in the record) Bishop. Bowers described the proposed fence as limestone columns with wrought-iron bars and gates, and said the fence would be visually permeable: between the columns “you can see through the iron bars and see the front door.” He argued the fence was consistent with other large lots in the neighborhood and said the request was for security and privacy; Bowers referenced a number of recent board approvals on nearby properties for fences taller than four feet.
Owner Doke Bishop told the board the fence is requested “for security and safety purposes primarily” and that the family often hosts young grandchildren who play in the front yard. He said the fence would be decorative and in character with nearby properties.
Board members said the fence’s vertical wrought-iron design and the evidence of several prior approvals in the same general neighborhood supported a finding that the special exception would not adversely affect neighboring property. The board approved the request by a roll-call vote recorded as 4-0. The approval included a condition that the final height and location comply with the most recent version of submitted plans.
